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AA

How do you know if you need a hearing aid?

12 questions to ask yourself

Published: February 2014

Does hearing loss interfere with your daily routine? Answer "yes," "sometimes," or "no" to each of the 12 questions below. Then add up your score. If your total is 12 or higher, you have a hearing problem, which is probably interfering with your participation in daily activities, and you may need a hearing aid. Our hearing aid buying guide will give you step-by-step directions toward finding the right provider and getting a hearing aid that suits your needs. If you have sudden hearing loss or notice that you can hear in only one ear, see a physician right away.

1. Does your hearing problem cause you to feel embarrassed when meeting new people?

Yes (4 points)

Sometimes (2 points)

No (0 points)

2. Does a hearing problem cause you to feel frustrated when talking to members of your family?

Yes (4)

Sometimes (2)

No (0)

3. Does a hearing problem cause you difficulty understanding co-workers, clients, or customers?

Yes (4)

Sometimes (2)

No (0)

4. Do you feel handicapped by a hearing problem?

Yes (4)

Sometimes (2)

No (0)

5. Does a hearing problem cause you difficulty when visiting friends, relatives, or neighbors?

Yes (4)

Sometimes (2)

No (0)

6. Does a hearing problem cause you difficulty in a movie or the theater?

Yes (4)

Sometimes (2)

No (0)

7. Does a hearing problem cause you to have arguments with family members?

Yes (4)

Sometimes (2)

No (0)

8. Does a hearing problem cause you difficulty when listening to the TV or radio?

Yes (4)

Sometimes (2)

No (0)

9. Do you feel that any difficulty with your hearing limits or hampers your personal or social life?

Yes (4)

Sometimes (2)

No (0)

10. Does a hearing problem cause you difficulty when in a restaurant with relatives or friends?

Yes (4)

Sometimes (2)

No (0)

11. Does a hearing problem cause you to attend religious services less often than you would like?

Yes (4)

Sometimes (2)

No (0)

12. Do you have difficulty hearing when someone speaks in a whisper?

Yes (4)

Sometimes (2)

No (0)

Editor's Note:

Used by permission of Barbara E. Weinstein, Ph.D., Matilda Wissner, Au.D., and Sapna Mehta, The Graduate Center–City University of New York.